FWP names new Region 6 program managers

From Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced that Marc Kloker and Ken Plourde have been named program managers for Region 6.

Kloker has been appointed as the Region 6 information and education program manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. He will be based out of Glasgow, and replaces Ron Selden, who passed away unexpectedly in August.

Kloker, 37, a longtime Valley County resident, comes to FWP from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, where he worked as a land use specialist in Glasgow. 

He graduated from Nashua High School and obtained college degrees in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and Secondary Science Education from Dickinson State University. For 10 years, Kloker taught science education in both Nashua and Culbertson. During the summers he was a wild land firefighter and range technician with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at CMR in Fort Peck. 

As the new information and education program manager, Kloker will be involved in several areas of public outreach and information, including news release distributions, social media updates, setting up public meetings, and administering the Citizens Advisory Council meetings for Region 6. 

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to reach out to the public about all the great things that are taking place here,” Kloker said. “We have hardworking wardens, biologists, technicians, office staff and volunteers that help make Region 6 one of the best areas in the state for outdoor recreation.”

Kloker will also be involved in youth and adult education and is the Region 6 contact for the Hunter and Bowhunter Education programs. He is also a volunteer instructor.  Kloker will be engaged with other educational outreach, including working with teachers, helping present kids fishing classes and events, and developing programs for area kids and adults such as bird watching, bat netting and insect collections.

“I’m particularly excited about the educational aspects of the job,” Kloker said. “Coming from an education background, I’m eager to use my teaching skills to share my love and respect for hunting, fishing, nongame wildlife, and all other types of recreation we have in this region, which I hope can lead to developing positive relationships with the state’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks now and into the future.”   

Kloker and his wife, Joanne, have two children, Rowen, 5, and Holden, 1. The family loves the outdoors, and can often be seen canoeing, hunting, fishing and camping across Montana. To get in touch with Kloker, call him at 406-228-3704, or email to [email protected].

Plourde, 23, has been appointed as the new Region 6 upland game bird program habitat specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 

He is originally from New Boston, New Hampshire. He graduated in 2013 from the University of Montana with a B.S. degree in wildlife biology and most recently worked as a block management technician in the Culbertson and Froid areas. Prior to that, he was involved with numerous wildlife-related field jobs, including sage grouse, waterfowl, shorebird and bison projects.

Plourde’s main duties will involve enhancing upland bird habitats and populations primarily in Sheridan, Daniels and Roosevelt counties. His responsibilities include working with private landowners, conservation groups and governmental agencies to carryout habitat enhancement projects and public hunting opportunities. Typical projects include nesting cover enhancement, shelterbelts, food plots and range management improvement projects. Plourde will also oversee the pheasant release program in his area.

“While working in block management and other jobs in Region 6, I’ve grown to appreciate the people and landscape,” Plourde said. “It’s evident that there’s great interest in conservation, especially of upland birds, in this area. I’m looking forward to working with landowners and sportsmen and women on conserving and improving upland game bird habitats.”

Plourde enjoys hunting, fishing, and outdoor photography. He will be working out of his home office in Flaxville. For more information about the upland bird program, call him at 406-474-2244 or email to [email protected].